First OMGcommerce panel discussion: Innovation in e-commerce is very important!

First day of OMGcommerce and we're almost half way through. The first panel discussion which was held, focused on innovation in e-business. One such innovation is the Erste Bank mobile application, through which users can photo scan receipts and pay the at the locatoin. This product was developed by Igor Strejcek from Erste Bank, Damir Sabol, founder of Iskon and PhotoPay and Tomislav Car, Infinum have worked on this project.

First day of OMGcommerce and we’re almost half way through. The first panel discussion which was held, focused on innovation in e-business. One such innovation is the Erste Bank mobile application, through which users can photo scan receipts and pay the at the locatoin. This product was developed by Igor Strejcek from Erste Bank, Damir Sabol, founder of Iskon and PhotoPay and Tomislav Car, Infinum have worked on this project.

Igor Strejcek explained to audience how Erste Bank decided to work with a company such as Infinum:

We looked for a company that is able to make such an application, and we liked the approach that Infinum had for the project. During the project, we have worked to create a number of changes and improvements, when PhotoPay came in. It made the final product way better than we expected.

Damir Sabol explained how is it possible to make the client change his mind during the critical stage in the project:

It is important that your customers understand that they have to adjust, but it is your job to show them how the product works. Presentation is not enough, you have to show them a prototype – and that’s exactly what we did.

Tomislav Car explained that they often communicate with the client, which is one reason for the success, but pointed out that, at least in Croatia, a common problem is the price. He advised the audience that it’s crucial that you make sure that the client is aware of the amount of work and time it takes to create the product.

Photo: Marina Filipovic Marinshe

He mentioned the “what if” mentality which is present in many clients nowadays who often complicate projects. Focus in not being put on the essential problems but rather on some other situation, so the majority of time is spent on solving various non existent problems which costs time and money. Sabol stated that the main difference between startups and large companies, is that startups asctually spend their resources where they should.

Strejcek added that the simple and functional solutions are certainly needed and therefore, is very happy with this cooperation Erste bank has with these companies.

Up to this point, some 26,000 customers are using this Erste Bank service and they’ve performed a total of 77,000 transactions. Throughout this year, substantial growth is expected.

Marko Mudrinić

Marko is the Editor and Country Manager for Serbia. Joining the team in 2012, he quickly emerged as one of the top tech journalists in Serbia covering startups, new technology and digital trends. As a freelancer, he reported on early-stage startups for TechCrunch, and in 2014 got his BA in Journalism. Passionate for new media and publishing in the 21st century, Marko reports from Belgrade where he also mentors startups on media presence and public relations.

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